Report “This place is the resistance camp for Palestine”: pro-Palestinian mobilization extends to British universities

The movement in support of Gaza in universities has now spread to the United Kingdom, on campuses in Sheffield, Bristol and Newcastle. Reporting from Manchester.

British students are now joining the movement in support of the Palestinians, which left the United States in mid-April. On the Manchester campus, in the middle of the university buildings, dozens of red, blue and green tents are pitched on a lawn, amid Palestinian flags and students harangued by one of the organizers. “The campus we all knew has changed. Students have taken it back and are saying ‘Zionism and anything related to its crimes: get out of the university!'”says the young woman to the crowd.

“Strong resistance”

Sue, a political science student and activist in a radical left party, is one of those who started the encampment. She sleeps on what is normally called Brunswick Park. “We appropriated this place and renamed it, it’s the resistance camp for Palestine,” she explains, in front of around fifty tents. “There is a formidable network of solidarity across the country, more and more camps are appearing,” rejoices the student, who mentions “incredible connections” and “strong resistance.”

Here, the occupants formulate clear demands to the faculty management. Cut ties with two Israeli universities considered too close to the army, no longer collaborate with BAE Systems, a British arms manufacturer which supplies parts to the soldiers of the Hebrew state and finally not attack students who participate in this movement.

Liza* is one of them. Today, she should work on her art history exams. “My diploma is not as important as the cause. I can still have it because I am well, I have shelter, parents and I can go to my classes,” she pleads. Palestinians n They don’t have all that.”

“If I was there, I wouldn’t have been able to take my exams freely.”

Liza, a student from Manchester

at franceinfo

Life is organized in this camp, including the organization of a folk evening, first aid courses, and of course, demonstrations. Those who sleep there say they are ready to stay until the university responds favorably to their requests.

*The first name has been changed